BOPK councilors’ executive functions

Not too long ago, Capitol purchased 16 brand new sports utility vehicle (SUV) units for the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and some department heads. Because of the number of vehicles bought, the car dealer reportedly gave one unit free as part of the package. You know what? That vehicle is now reportedly being used like a personal property of the department head that transacted the deal.

Then there is this Capitol consultant who is now riding a brand new Toyota Camry reportedly given by a contractor. This consultant negotiates with contractors and suppliers doing business at the Capitol. I don’t know if Gov. Junjun Davide knows the “shenanigans” of some of his trusted men. Kindly look into this, Mr. Governor. Kay nagmukhang tanga ka diha sa mga binuang sa imong mga tawo.

I think “has been” Mayor Michael Rama should wake up to the reality that his camp is no longer the majority in the city council. He should stop claiming his Team Rama still controls the council. With the latest defection of his stalwart, Jerry Guardo, and Dave Tumulak and Hanz Abella admitting that they are now with the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), Mike’s group is now the council’s minority.

As I pointed out in my previous column, shifting party allegiance is normal in our country’s political landscape. Some politicians do it for political conven- ience. Tumulak, Abella and Guardo, who won under Team Rama in last year’s election, just grabbed the opportunity offered by the BOPK leadership.

We cannot take it against them because they are just looking after their political careers. It is unfair to suspect that they defected because of monetary reasons. We can only surmise that one of the reasons for their transfer is the big advantage their reelection bid would have if they have vast “executive” functions.

The “former political has-been” has given his allies in the council executive functions, making them act like “little mayors.” Tumulak is the deputy mayor on police matters and in-charge ( kuno) of peace and order and security matters in the city. He faces the media all the time and even reveals supposed confidential matters. And he is enjoying his “executive function.” Obserbahi si Dave, morag nagpulis-pulis.

Abella is the deputy mayor for scholarship programs and Guardo will given the title as deputy mayor for infrastructures and sports. Expect them to “grab” the limelight in their respective functions. Look at Mary Ann de los Santos, who is the deputy mayor for hospital and health services. She acts like a “queen” in hospital matters. She is the one calling the shots in the ongoing construction of the Cebu City Medical Center. Maninghag ug mangasaba na gani sa mga professional doctors and nurses diha sa CCMC.

Mao nay usa sa mga nakaikag nila nga motapon sa BOPK, gumikan sa gahum bisan wala kaayo silay bilib sa lider.